Conservative or Liberal, Deist or Pagan, Jersey transplant or Lehigh Valley native, we're all in this mess together. Let's talk. Let us do no harm. Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne

Monday, January 07, 2013

Grifo Poised to Seek Elwell's Seat

Easton attorney Antonia M. Grifo will meet the press this afternoon at her law offices. I presume she'll announce her intentions concerning the Magisterial District Judge position that became vacant when Judge Gay Elwell died unexpectedly.

A 1982 grad of Fordham law school, Grifo practices law with her husband, Ron Shipman. She is a former law clerk to the late Judge Isaac Garb, and spent two years as an Assistant District Attorney. She also teaches Italian, part time, at East Stoudsburg University.

Grifo's father, the late Richard D. Grifo, was a fixture on Northampton County's bench for twenty-five years.

No more lawyers in these positions. The magesterial judge is the last bastion for a generally qualified person to preside as judge in a legal setting with no JD degree. Let the common man or woman run and get elected.

No more lawyers in these positions. The magesterial judge is the last bastion for a generally qualified person to preside as judge in a legal setting with no JD degree. Let the common man or woman run and get elected.

Disapointing post, Bernie, although maybe you will follow up after the press conf. You mention nothing about her qualifications for the position. The fact that she's an attorney isn't enough. The fact that she's a lifelong resident of downtown Easton, has her office downtown, and has much practical knowledge and common sense for this very, very busy MDJ office begins to fill out the picture.

What would you like me to say? Did she cure cancer or something? She's a lawyer who practices law in Easton. She seems like a very decent person, more than qualified, but I see no reason to genuflect at the mere mention of her name.

Bernie O'Hare said...I had no idea that something as innocuous as eyewear could be a dealbreaker in the minds of some people, although the Mrs. Potato Head joke was funny.

Bernie:

I keep picturing Dukakis with that ridiculous Army helmet photo op. It certainly did not help him. The glasses are " a little out there",you'd have to say. All of the comments seem to indicate this. Let me ask you this - If you stand before a judge, even the minor judiciary, and the person deciding your case sits there wearing clown glasses, what are your thoughts about professionalism, fairness, competency?

Her mom wears white glasses, too. This must be, as you note, the latest trend. I'm a little more concerned about what is behind those glasses, and judging from her announcement today, I'd say quite a bit. I'll have more later.